Airbnb has launched a new airport pickup service that promises a prebookable private vehicle to take guests straight from their arrival point to their accommodation, removing the stress and uncertainty that can be the first day of a holiday.
In partnership with Welcome Pickups, the new service is now available in more than 125 cities across three continents and can be booked directly through the Airbnb app. The offering follows a pilot scheme that received an average customer rating of 4.96 out of 5 in the two and a half months from 1 January to 15 March 2026.
Many people would agree that collecting a hire car or dealing with taxi queues immediately after a long flight are perhaps not ideal ways to commence what is supposed to be a relaxing break or productive business trip. Now, travellers across Asia, Europe, and Latin America can choose instead to reserve a bespoke pickup to “make stays more convenient and special,” Airbnb says, “from the moment they arrive.”
Dave Stephenson, Chief Business Officer at Airbnb, said in a press release: “Now guests can book a private car service in advance, taking the hassle out of organizing transportation in a new city. We’re excited to expand Airbnb Services with more helpful offerings, and this is just the start.”
That sentiment was echoed by Alex Trimis, CEO of Welcome Pickups, who said in a statement: “Arriving in a new destination should feel exciting, not stressful. For years, Welcome Pickups has helped travellers plan that moment in advance, with reliable transfers and a personal welcome waiting when they arrive. We’re thrilled to partner with Airbnb to bring that experience directly into the travel journey and help even more guests start their trip with confidence.”
The process begins just after booking an Airbnb stay in any eligible city, when guests will be presented with the option to add a scheduled private car service to their listing in the Trips tab. Once a reservation is confirmed, guests should be able to view their booking details and make any necessary changes within the Airbnb app. A “meet-and-greet option” is also available, providing a personal welcome from a driver at their arrival location. When it comes to departure time, guests will be picked up directly at their listing and taken to their airport or transport hub, helping make the arrival and departure journey “seamless,” Airbnb says.
The pickup package adds to Airbnb Services, a set of bookable client options introduced in May 2025 across 10 categories in 260 cities. These range from massages and spa treatments to private chefs and personal trainers, meaning that whether travellers want to relax or kickstart a fitness regime, they can tailor trips to their needs.
